Thigh Lifts Surgery in Valencia & Alicante Dr. Antolín

What are thigh lifts or thigh lift surgery?

Dr. Antolin tells us about the procedure followed for the operation of cruroplasty or thigh lift, in his clinics in Valencia and Alcoy.

The thigh lift is a surgery for the treatment of flaccidity of the legs. It removes excess sagging skin and underlying fat on the inner thighs, which appears after weight loss or the aging process.

In this way we manage to improve the contour of the leg and eliminate the discomfort and functional problems caused by these excesses.

For optimal results, thigh lift or thigh reduction surgery is often performed in combination with liposuction on other areas of the leg such as the love handles, inner thighs, infragluteal folds, buttocks, and also with the pubic lift.

It is often performed as a post-bariatric surgical intervention in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

Candidates for thigh lifts

Candidate patients are those in whom excess skin and flaccidity in the thighs predominates over fat accumulation.

This occurs especially in patients who have lost a large amount of weight through dieting, obesity surgery, or simply the aging process.

A thigh lift may be a good option if:

• You are physically healthy.
• You do not smoke.
• You have a positive outlook and specific but realistic goals to improve your appearance.

The 1st consultation for a thigh lift

In this 1st consultation, which is FREE Dr. Antolin will try to obtain a in-depth knowledge of the patient.

• We will open a ‘Clinical History’ detailing the reason for your consultation.
• We will analyze the objectives and expectations you wish to achieve, as well as your medical condition and background.
• Dr. Antolin will evaluate the elasticity and laxity of the skin, examining the general contour of the inner thighs and legs. In this way we will know what may be the best treatment to achieve the patient’s goals.
• With all this information we elaborate a diagnosis and propose the most appropriate treatment.
• You will leave this 1st appointment with an idea of the most appropriate treatment for you, the possible limitations of the treatment, and the real expectations you should have.
• We will see the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed treatment versus possible alternatives.
• We will also explain you the possible complications that can have the cruroplasty or leg lift through the explanation and delivery of the ‘Informed Consent’.
• We will request the corresponding preoperative study.

However, we know that doubts always arise and therefore we advise the patient to visit us at least two more times before the procedure.

During these visits we will review what has been discussed, answer any questions that may have arisen, and go over the informed consent again.

We will also verify that the results of the preoperative study tests are optimal, and the patient is in perfect health conditions to undergo a surgical procedure.

Characteristics of the thigh lift or leg lift operation

The crural, leg or thigh lift lasts approximately 2 hours, always with regional or general anesthesia and 1 day hospitalization.

The procedure consists of the removal of fat from the inner thighs, by means of liposuction that completely empties the area of fat content.

We then remove a carefully designed ellipse of skin that removes excess skin and reshapes the inner thigh, leaving it more harmonious, taut and proportionate.

The independent stretching of the fat and skin allows the preservation of the venous, lymphatic and nervous system of the area, avoiding many complications.

The length of the scar will depend on the amount of excess skin that is removed and is located in the posterointernal part of the thigh, from the gluteal fold to the knee, so that it is not visible from the front or back view.

After the cruroplasty you will be under hospitalization for control and treatment, so that the next day you can go home in the best conditions and with the pain under control. You will leave the hospital with a compression garment that you will have to wear for at least 1 month.

We will follow your evolution in our office, since during the first month after the leg lift, we see you 1 to 2 times a week for the necessary cures, removal of stitches, and guidelines for postoperative and recovery.

Subsequently we will see you at 2 months, 6 months and 1 year …. although the consultation is always open to solve any questions or problems you may have.

Postoperative period and recovery from leg lift surgery

You will spend one night in the hospital and before leaving the hospital, you will be scheduled for a post-operative follow-up appointment with Dr. Antolin.

During this appointment he will observe how your thighs are doing and discuss treatment of any possible discomfort, pain or complications.

In addition, at that appointment Dr. Antolin will give you specific instructions for the aftercare of the thigh lift to be covered:

• Return to work: after leg lift surgery, you will need to take time off from work. The time required depends on the type of work you have.
• Resume sports and exercise: after the operation, you should take a break from sports and exercise to allow your body to recover.
• Back to driving.
• Specific care for scars.

Recovery time

1 to 3daysafter surgery:

• Patients will experience some mild to moderate discomfort and/or pain after the facelift. Pain that is usually well controlled with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
• After surgery, the thighs will be bandaged, which will result in a decreased range of motion.After removing bandages we will place a girdle that will take at least 1 month.

1 weekafter surgery: Most patients do not need pain medication. Swelling and bruising will decrease, but will still be apparent and may continue for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.

10daysafter surgery: most patients can return to work and normal daily activities, including showering.

2 weeksafter surgery: Patients usually begin a scar treatment plan consisting of a silicone-based adhesive tape product or a scar cream.

4 to 6 weeksafter surgery: Bruising and swelling have subsided, revealing the results of the thigh lift.

• Most patients will no longer need to wear compression garments.
• Patients can gradually resume the practice of sports.
• Most patients continue with their scar treatment plan for the next 4-6 months.

6 monthsafter surgery: Scars at the incision sites are more blurred with the surrounding skin, making them less noticeable. Scars will continue to improve for up to 2 years after the thigh lift.

Thigh lift results

The smoother, tighter contours that result from thigh lift surgery are evident almost immediately after the procedure.

• Initial results will not be fully visible due to swelling and bruising.
• The results of thigh lift surgery will be long-lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight and overall fitness level. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but the results will be relatively permanent.
• Following Dr. Antolin’s instructions on post-operative and recovery behavioral guidelines is essential to the success of your surgery.
• It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or movement during the healing period.

Thigh lift patient testimonials and opinions

Frequently Asked Questions about thigh lifts and leg lift surgery

Who is a good candidate for a thigh lift?

A good candidate is usually a person with excess skin or sagging of the inner thighs that does not improve with diet or exercise. This is common after significant weight loss or as a result of natural tissue aging. During the medical consultation the quality of the skin, the amount of excess tissue and the patient’s expectations are evaluated to determine if this surgery is the most appropriate option.

How long does thigh lift surgery last?

The duration of the intervention may vary according to the degree of flaccidity and the technique used, but as a guideline is usually between 2 and 3 hours. In some cases it can be combined with other body surgery procedures if the medical indication allows it.

How long is the recovery time after a thigh lift?

Recovery time varies according to each patient and the extent of the surgery. Relative rest is usually recommended during the first days, the use of compressive garments and periodic revisions. The return to normal activities usually occurs gradually in the following weeks.

Can thigh lifts be combined with other surgeries?

Yes. In some patients the thigh lift can be combined with other body surgery procedures, such as liposuction or surgery following major weight loss. The possibility of combined procedures should always be assessed on an individual basis to ensure safety and the best aesthetic result.

Is the first consultation for thigh lift in Valencia free of charge?

Yes, the first consultation is free of charge. During this visit Dr. Antolin analyzes the excess skin, the quality of the tissues and the patient’s expectations, explains the possible treatment options and solves all the doubts about the surgery.

When can I request a quote for a leg lift operation?

The quotation is provided after a personalized medical assessment, as it depends on factors such as the degree of flaccidity, the surgical technique required, the type of anesthesia and whether the surgery is combined with other procedures.

Where can I request a first thigh lift appointment with Dr. Antolin?

You can request a free first appointment through the clinic’s contact page to receive a personalized assessment in Valencia or Alcoy.

What is the thigh lift scar like?

The length of the scar will depend on the amount of excess skin that is removed and is located in the posterointernal part of the thigh, from the gluteal fold to the knee, so that it is not visible from the front or back view.

• If the excess skin extends the entire length of the leg, you may need a vertical scar to remove this excess.
• If the excess skin is located just in the upper medial thigh, a horizontal incision in the groin crease may be all that is needed.

All this depends essentially on the surgical technique, your anatomy and the quality of the skin.

Regardless of this, scars will gradually fade over time and can be improved with specific treatments such as laser or microneedling.

Scars will continue to improve for up to 2 years after the thigh lift.

What is the difference between a thigh lift and a lower body lift?

A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery of the legs that only treats the excess fat and sagging skin on the thighs.

The lower body lift is a more comprehensive procedure that combines the inner and outer thigh lift procedure with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a buttock lift.

This surgery is appropriate for people who have experienced a very large weight loss and have excess fat and sagging skin on the legs.

Can thigh liposuction improve my thigh contour without removing skin?

In cases where the main problem is excess fat and sagging skin in the area, liposuction alone would be contraindicated.

Liposuction of the inner thigh is ideal for patients with localized fat accumulation in this area, without excess skin and with a good skin tone, not sagging.

A thigh lift removes excess skin by tightening the remaining thigh skin, reshaping the contour of the leg.

What procedures can be combined with a leg lift surgery?

For many people, loose, sagging skin is not just limited to the thigh area.

Cruroplasty is often combined with other body contouring procedures to treat excess skin in other areas, such as the abdomen(abdominoplasty), buttocks(gluteoplasty) and arms(arm lift).

Combined procedures are very common and can be performed as long as Dr. Antolin considers it safe to do so.

We limit the surgical procedures to be performed in a single session, to ensure that patients do not spend too much time under anesthesia and to minimize the possibility of complications during surgery and recovery.

How long will I have swelling after a thigh lift?

Swelling is to be expected after any plastic surgery procedure, and a leg lift is no exception.

The swelling may take time to resolve completely, but much of it disappears in about a month.

Residual swelling can take up to six months or more to resolve, but patients will see preliminary results much sooner.

Is liposuction always done as well?

Depending on the level of correction needed, liposuction may be necessary in other neighboring areas to achieve contour improvement of the entire leg.

Is leg lift surgery painful?

There is discomfort associated with all body contouring procedures.

Most patients report that the pain is very tolerable and stop taking prescription painkillers within a few days of surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used for thigh lifts?

Thigh lifts are generally performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

In addition, an additional local anesthetic is injected into the surgical site to provide additional postoperative pain control.